RNA interference-based therapeutic against anthrax

Abstract

The present invention includes siRNAs and antibodies that block the interaction between TEM8 and/or CMG2 cell surface proteins and anthrax toxin and methods of treating anthrax exposure with the same.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating an anthrax infection in a subject in need of such treatment comprising the steps of:
 providing a subject in need of treatment for an anthrax infection; 
 providing to the subject an effective amount of an siRNA that targets a cell surface expression of a capillary morpho-genesis protein 2 CMG2 cell surface protein to reduce an anthrax toxin binding to one or more cells in the subject. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anthrax infection is in the respiratory tract. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anthrax infection is in a cutaneous anthrax infections. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anthrax infection is of the gastrointestinal tract.